A 10-year-old Kingsbridge schoolboy has raced his way to a British championship title and now hopes local businesses can help him reach the next finish line.

Oli Staples, a pupil at Kingsbridge Primary School, has been named the Amped Bikes EMX Sparks British Championships Big Wheel winner after battling his way to the top spot.

Competing against riders aged 13 and 14, Oli had plenty of reasons to feel intimidated. But, as he puts it, you just get on with it.

“When I’m racing, I’m not really thinking about anyone else, just getting to the finish line,” he said.

Having first climbed aboard a petrol-powered bike just 18 months ago, Oli has taken to the sport at speed, overcoming a challenging season to claim the title.

A car accident involving Oli and his mum, Jenny, forced him to miss several races, leaving him at the bottom of the league table with his points gone.

When his bike subsequently broke, the odds were stacked against him, but rather than calling it a day, he battled on.

Oli, a self-professed thrilled seeker, has seen other riders suffer some nasty injuries, but says that hasn’t put him off.

“I’d be very sad and emotional if I had to give it up,” he said.

For Jenny, watching her son find his feet in the sport has been about much more than trophies.

Oli has ADHD and loves sport, and she believes racing has helped him become more confident, focused and settled at school.

She is particularly grateful to Kingsbridge Primary School for supporting his ambitions, including allowing him several Wednesdays off for training.

Headteacher Miranda Martyn said the school was “absolutely blown away” by Oli’s achievements, praising the determination and commitment he had shown in winning against older competitors.

Leg technique as Oli takes a corner.Oli Staples, closest to the camera, as a race kicks off.Leaping through the air is one of Oli's favourite parts about racing.Fearlessly flying through the air to victory.Ten year old, Oli Staples, is the winner for his class in the Amped Bikes EMX Sparks British Championships.Oli on the 1st place podium with his trophy.

Leg technique as Oli takes a corner.

Oli Staples, closest to the camera, as a race kicks off.

Leaping through the air is one of Oli's favourite parts about racing.

Fearlessly flying through the air to victory.

Ten year old, Oli Staples, is the winner for his class in the Amped Bikes EMX Sparks British Championships.

Oli on the 1st place podium with his trophy.

“I’m really proud of Oli,” his mum continued. “He loves it so much. And it’s really helped him focus.

“Before, he would be so drained after a full school week of sitting at a desk; he’s a lot happier.”

But keeping a young racer on the track is an expensive business.

Winter training begins in November, and Oli needs to travel to Oxfordshire for coaching.

Race meetings rack up bills for fuel, overnight stays and van hire, on top of the cost of maintaining bikes.

Growing children also have a habit of growing out of expensive kit.

Jenny says sponsorship is now crucial for Oli to continue competing and work towards his next ambitions.

“Training isn’t just about the skill of racing; it’s learning how to do the sport safely,” she said. “It is dangerous, and things can go wrong.”

Bikes are capable of reaching 62mph, so riders are taught how to fall safely.

“You can’t stop accidents, but it helps prevent them,” Jenny said.

Now, the family hopes local businesses will help keep his championship dream alive.

Sponsors can have their name or business logo displayed on Oli’s racing kit and bike graphics, seen at competitions around the country.

Anyone interested in supporting Oli’s racing ambitions is asked to contact the South Hams Gazette, which can put potential sponsors in touch with the family.

Oli has already proved he can fight his way back from the bottom of the standings; the next challenge is finding the support to get back on the starting line.